12. 21. 2008

Holiday Gift Guide: Luxury Gifts

And now a last minute look at a few luxury gifts for the holidays and beyond:

Personal Planetarium
This new, hi-def desktop planetarium puts the planets on your desktop. The Stella TearStar looks like an unassuming mirror when turned off. When turned on, the backlight shines through with crystal clear stars and planets. This unit uses the same technology as many high-end full-scale planetariums. Perfect for you favorite Star Trek or Star Wars fan. From Audiocubes. $500. (Brian)

Sonic Chair with mounted iMac
If the credit crunch hasn't affected your finances this year (or you're intent on wearing your credit card out before the bank comes calling), perhaps the multiple design award-winning sonic chair complete with mounted iMac will take the top spot on your Christmas list? (If anyone wants to splash out on one for me, I certainly won't be complaining.) Price, you ask? Uh-oh: you probably can't afford it... (Diane)

Luxury stationery
For the seriously stylish lady in your life who still loves to write letters, what could be better than some seriously stylish personalised stationery from Redstamp, which, like Popgadget itself, carries the Oprah seal of approval. These correspondence cards, from $45 for 12 (plus a one-time illustration fee of $55) guarantee a thoughtful and exclusive (in fact, you could say luxury) gift. (Diane)

Fitness Cube
Want to work out in the new year, but looking for an exercise machine that doesn't spoil your carefully planned interior aesthetic? How about buying the Fitness Cube, which lets you exercise in style (and is priced at around 99GBP)? The Cube works all your muscles, similar to an at-home Pilates system, but when not in use can be folded away and used as a sleek and minimalist-looking stool. Just remember that this is only suitable for self-gifting: no-one wants to be told how unfit they are until at least December 27th. (Diane)

Fashion tech accessories
For the girl who loves fashion and gadgets, the Philips-Swarovski range of memory sticks, headphones and bluetooth headsets are beautiful and useful - and will empty your pocketbook quicker than you can say "blinging." (Diane)

Tube-based iPod speaker system
Think speakers, and you may not automatically think "luxury," but if you want some of the best money can buy, the first tube-based iPod speaker system is now on sale, for the bargain price of $4000. They are apparently the next best thing to being at a live gig - the audiophile in your life will love you for them. (Let's face it, they'd better!) (Diane)

Ikepod Horizon Watch

If you are looking for the ultimate chic in watches this year and can afford to spend $39,000 for one, the 2008-designed Horizon watch from Ikepod beckons you. This collection has been designed by Marc Newson for Ikepod and manufactured exclusively in - where else but - Switzerland. The watch has precious metals such as gold, platinum and titanium with a simple sapphire crystal front that almost camouflages its extraordinary origins. There is no need for any winding either as the watch catches on the wearer's movement to power itself. Each watch is stamped with a certificate of authenticity containing the serial number and date of production. Go on to Moss for this indulgence. (Kanchana)

Power Nap Capsule

Time to shock that connoisseur in your life - who has wrinkled his/her nose at every Christmas gift that he/she has ever received - into sleep. Huh? We are referring to the Power Nap Capsule which has been designed based on extensive research to create the best positioning of your body during a nap to aid complete relaxation. Just make sure that the receipient of your largesse has room to hold this thing in (the sleep surface is 12" longer than a king size mattress), and you have atleast $25,000 to spare. Even better if the person you are targetting is a sci-fi buff. (Kanchana)

Doowaggle Victorian Dog House

Splurging on your canine now has another avenue. Check out the Doowaggle Luxury Dog House kit which is a palatial dwelling made just for - your doggie. Each house has its own entrance, sleeping quarters and a roaming area within. With such a well-planned real estate, you are either going to have a very contented dog, or a very empty wallet (or both). The dog house is door-delivered and costs $2,475 (paint, shingles and rain gutters not included). (Kanchana)

Jade Cube Necklace

The elegantly stylish Jade Cube Necklace by designer Patricia Von Musulin is sure to win the heart of any genteel lady. Its modern design is apparently inspired by architecture and mosaics - strings of black onyx and jade cubes strung on black silk completed by a sterling silver clasp that bears the signature of the designer. Feed your vanity at the MoMa store at $700 for a two-string Jade Cube Necklace. (Kanchana)

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